100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Queen Elizabeth II has passed away

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Region’s newest heritage trail launched

Sunshine Coast Council has unveiled a new heritage walk that showcases a town's history, including its First Nations significance and timber heritage. The Landsborough Heritage Walk More

Falcons and Storm to end decade-long partnership

The Sunshine Coast Falcons have confirmed their long-standing feeder club affiliation with the Melbourne Storm will come to an end after the 2025 season. The More

Photo of the day: ocean paddlers

Paddlers off Kings Beach at Caloundra, by Lesley Evans. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must be horizontal/landscape and More

Lucrative prizes on the line for freshwater fish

The state’s most successful recreational fishing initiative is gearing up for a major milestone. The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) is marking 25 years, with More

Young man dies in Kandanga crash

A 19-year-old has died after a campervan veered off the roadway and crashed near Kandanga Creek bridge early on Sunday morning. Police and emergency crews More

Two dead in crash with stolen car near Gympie

Two people have died following a crash involving a stolen vehicle at Chatsworth yesterday afternoon. About 3pm, emergency services were called to a three-vehicle crash More

Whatever your views on the Monarchy, the passing of Her Majesty is undoubtedly a most significant occasion.

It is indeed history in the making with few people knowing life without the Queen.

The end of the Queen’s reign has certainly triggered a “What happens now?” moment.

To mark the Queen’s passing, there are numerous ceremonial traditions observed from flags being flown at half-mast, days of mourning declared and condolences expressed from world leaders.

What does it mean, however, in “legal terms” for Australia?

The United Kingdom is the source of Australia’s rule of law.

The Australian transition from the Queen to King Charles III therefore adopts the British position with Charles becoming the Monarch from the moment of his mother’s death.

Importantly, the death of the Queen does not render existing laws invalid, nor does it require Public Officers to re-swear their oath.

As well as Australia’s Parliament not sitting, there will be some symbolic – rather than legally required – changes, such as new:

  • insignia for police and military personnel; and
  • passports and legal currency reflecting Her Majesty’s passing.

Only time will tell what the true impact of the Queen’s death is for the British Monarchy.

Trent Wakerley is a Director at Kruger Law, Maroochydore.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share